Elisha B. Sherwood letter, February 26, 1845

Elisha Barber Sherwood (1810-1905) was a Presbyterian minister. He began his career as a minister in the Church at Wilson, Niagara County, N.Y., subsequently becoming pastor at various churches in New York, Michigan, and Missouri. He is the author of Fifty Years on the Skirmish Line, a review of his ministerial work.

A letter written by Elisha B. Sherwood, dated at Middleport, February 26, 1845. The letter is addressed to Doct. Willis M. Sherwood, Stricklands Depot, Duplin Co., North Carolina. The letter is signed Elisha B. S. Elisha Sherwood and Willis Sherwood were brothers. In the letter, Elisha inquires about the health of his brother and sister-in-law Charlotte, writing “I hope these months have brought a change in your health and that you have obtained a receipt in full and are discharged from all demands of the farmer and ague…and that she [Charlotte] will find her dropsical habit not permanently seated upon her constitution”. He also makes reference to Willis’ desire to move north, writing “the prejudice that you feel operating against you because you are a northern man must be somewhat keenly felt by one of your…temperament….I see no reason why Charlotte should be unwilling to return to the North if it is a…fact that both of [you are] suffering in health and your constitutions are such that do not stand the climate of North Carolina.” Elisha continues to write that he has made inquiries on Willis’ behalf about employment as a doctor in the north. He writes that “I have seen Doct. Failing and enquired his terms upon which he would receive a partner. He is indefinite and says that could not be settled till he should see you.” He continues that “There is a grand opening for a physician in Niagara District Canada West about twenty five miles west of the Falls…There is no Doct. on the ground. I spent some ten days in Canada…and think there is a fine chance for “Yankee” enterprise”.